Open Studios San Francisco Review

Psst.... want to look at etchings?  Oils?  Acrylics?  Sculpture?  Watercolor?  Photographs?

Don't let another opportunity pass by to enjoy the Open Studios at Hunters Point Naval Shipyard.  There's really no equivalent anywhere in the world to the hundreds of studios you can visit here in a single afternoon.  It's one of my #1 favorite things to do in the City and it's completely free..

For two weekends each year (in October and April), hundreds of artists throw open their studios and invite the public in to view (and purchase) their work.  You can talk to the artists about their work, watch them work, or walk on silently, after you've helped yourself to the wine, cheese, chips, or candy that the artists generously provide gratis.  It's nothing short of a perfect afternoon.  

Parking?  Gratis as well and, if you're worried about the sketchy neighborhood, don't be:  The whole area is secured.   Volunteers man both the front gate and the secure parking areas it includes.  You won't need to step foot outside the shipyard.

With its long, big hallways and multiple floors, the main building is a good place to get lost.  It alone houses hundreds of artists.  Start there, or at any of the outlying buildings.  All are a short walk away from one another.  This biggest studio building is protected and should remain an artist's colony for the foreseeable future; the outlying buildings don't have the same fate.  See it now, before this slice of history is gone. 

Artspan
934 Brannan St
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: SOMA

(415) 861-9838

Creativity Explored Review

Creativity Explored is a wondrous warmth filled place that is absolutely perfect for finding exceptional presents for people that you love, treasure, and care a lot about. But more than that - it's a remarkable and well run non-profit organization.

Creativity Explored is a nonprofit visual arts center where artists with developmental disabilities create, exhibit, and sell art.  Many of the artists here - as referenced by the the Creativity Explored website - speak different languages - or in some cases - speak very little  - if at all  - so the importance of visual art and the importance of expression through visual art  - takes on that much more significance.

I visited this space a little while back and was extremely moved by the wealth of diverse beauty that moved throughout this space. Creativity Explored not only has a gallery - which showcases these artists' works - but it also houses a store - where you can buy printed T-shirts and handmade bookmarks and such.

Probably the most moving aspect of this space is that you can walk around and see many of the artists creating the art at the space. The main gallery room in which they work - is large, well lit - and just full of love and inspired art.

I can't recommend Creativity Explored enough. If you're looking to donate or get more involved with a non-profit - Creativity Explored is a great place to start. If you're looking for unique gifts and art -  Creativity Explored is What's UP.

Trust.

3245 16th St
(between Spencer St & Dolores St)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Neighborhood: Mission

(415) 863-2108

Inkling Review

Inkling is, hands down, my absolute favorite shop on the planet.  There is literally NOTHING bad to say about it.  From kick ass greeting cards and unique odds and ends, to an incredible jewelry section and array of art from a series of local artists, Inkling is by far Lakeview's finest hidden gem.

Stephanie makes every trip in an experience to enjoy and remember.  Between the courteous and helpful staff, the outstanding selection of merchandise, and the OMG ARE YOU KIDDING ME low prices, this is my one stop shop for any gifts I buy for anyone (literally from my 1 month old god daughter to my grandmother), for any jewelry/accessories I want, and for the art that lines the walls of my apartment.  I absolutely LOVE this store, and am sure that anyone who steps in it's door will feel the same way!

2917 1/2 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
Neighborhood: Lakeview

(773) 248-8004

Next Art Fair Review

Love Next!  Simply inspiring and refreshing, Next draws out the vibrance and curiousity in all that observe.  Full of funk, color, metal and creativity, the spread of ideas and theoligies go on and on.  When I mean on and on, I mean it both figurtively and litterally...its huge!  The Next show sprawls the eighth floor of the Merchandise Mart, a few floors below Art Chicago.  

Next is part of a larger compilation of shows including Art Chicago and the International Antique Show, making up Artropolis Chicago.  It features local and distant artists, galleries, performance art and organizations.  I believe that the  name is well suited for the show, as it is what is on the left side of now and what is next, after viewing the antiques and contemporary art of the other 2 shows.

With that said, in comparison to previous years, it seems as though Art Chicago and Next are growing greatly in similarites.  Perhaps that can be attributed to more of an acceptance of what we think of as "low-brow" art  and fully beginning to understand that art is just that...art.  As such, it is individual, personal and public, and drawn from energy and thought.  I like to refer to it as an Avant-garde revival.  Evocatively pushing the envelope on the status quo.

Wow, so this is what I can use that degree in art history for.

Anyway, a fabulous showcase of youthful and eclectic pieces, Next is a show that should be experienced by all.  Make sure to watch out for tickets next year so that you too can be inspired.

222 Merchandise Mart Plz
7th Fl
(between Lower Orleans St & Orleans St)
Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, River North

(312) 527-4674